Just a suggestion here. Before you put money down, if you're still considering an ultralight with 2 stroke power, research "effects of ethanol E10 on 2 stroke engines". Or, buy your gasoline at an airport or marina.

I flew behind a 582 for a good bit until it put me down the second time. The first time was a lower rod bearing failure at 270 hours (just under the 300 TBO). The second time I had a fuel delivery issue on take off (engine sputtered). I am not interested in flying behind a two stroke any more however I have lots of friends who have had no issues. I also think getting a plane out of a trailer and the folding wings will get old.

I got interested in Ercoupes, but couldn't find a good one with an empty weight below 900 lbs with metal wings. For outside tie down, you'd have to have a metalized wing. Still think they are great little birds. Other vintage LSA eligible are nice too if you have a tail wheel endorsement, which I don't.

I ended up recently acquiring a Zenith ch 601 xlb. The wing issues they had were fixed with a mod (notated by the "b") and I don't think you can find one that hasn't had the mod. I'm very happy with it, but haven't had it long. Good luck whatever way you go. Now if this rainy weather will just go away so I can get to the airport...

I like the Ercoupe but I feel some of the other "LSA Compliant Antiques" are more capable aircraft

Cubs, Champs, T-Craft and the like

I'm partial to the Aeronca Champ or Chief however I am very very biased

In your first post you mentioned a Kitfox with a 2-stroke motor for $15k or so

The Kitfox is a fantastic bird, especially the 3 and 4 and up

the 1 and 2 were less forgiving

back in my UL days I owned several planes with Rotax 2-strokers.... I never had a problem but I followed 2 simple rules1) do all maintenance and overhauls on time, use hobbs meter, no guessing2) no performance mods: racing exhaust pipes, bore jobs, non-standard jetting etc

keep it stock and maintain it by the book

John Sarra CFI-S1946 Aeronca Chief

-Mankind has a perfect record in aviation; we never left one up there!

Also I liked the look of the kitfox, but the owner hasn't replied to my email as of yet. I did find a nicely equipped Zenith 601xl-b for just a few grand more with only a few hundred hours on it. a few hours away, but not bad. I have emailed about this one.

Either way it turns out, this has turned out to be a good thread. Of course if my numbers come up for the lottery I will buy the Bristell I want.

They have a brand new Bristell - unsold in the hanger at Lancaster - it may end up in the share program. It is a dark blue - almost Navy Metallic - I am about to check my mega numbers....maybe I will beat you to it!

Also I liked the look of the kitfox, but the owner hasn't replied to my email as of yet. I did find a nicely equipped Zenith 601xl-b for just a few grand more with only a few hundred hours on it. a few hours away, but not bad. I have emailed about this one.

Either way it turns out, this has turned out to be a good thread. Of course if my numbers come up for the lottery I will buy the Bristell I want.

The Zenith's are great, however as I'm sure you are already aware there were 2 models (CH601 XL and 650 ) that had wing problems resulting in inflight failures and deaths... the FAA grounded these specific models pending a mandatory (on SLSA versions) mod which fixed the problem (mod is optional for E-AB versions)

I would avoid these models even if the mod was done, not for safety reasons as they are safe once the wing has been upgraded, my reason for avoiding them is tarnished reputation and questionable resale value and the likelihood that it would take a long time to sell

this may be true of anything branded AMD, Zenith, Zenair, Zodiac or any other name they dream up next, pilots have long memories

but then again..... those same problems could create a great buying opportunity to pick up a bargain

Last edited by azsportpilot on Wed Mar 15, 2017 9:01 am, edited 1 time in total.

John Sarra CFI-S1946 Aeronca Chief

-Mankind has a perfect record in aviation; we never left one up there!

Also I liked the look of the kitfox, but the owner hasn't replied to my email as of yet. I did find a nicely equipped Zenith 601xl-b for just a few grand more with only a few hundred hours on it. a few hours away, but not bad. I have emailed about this one.

Either way it turns out, this has turned out to be a good thread. Of course if my numbers come up for the lottery I will buy the Bristell I want.

The Zenith's are great, however as I'm sure you are already aware there were 2 models (CH601 XL and 650 ) that had wing problems resulting in inflight failures and deaths... the FAA grounded these specific models pending a mandatory (on SLSA versions) mod which fixed the problem (mod is optional for E-AB versions)

I would avoid these models even if the mod was done, not for safety reasons as they are safe once the wing has been upgraded, my reason for avoiding them is tarnished reputation and questionable resale value and the likelihood that it would take a long time to sell

this may be true of anything branded AMD, Zenith, Zodiac or any other name they dream up next, pilots have long memories

but then again..... those same problems could create a great buying opportunity to pick up a bargain

That is my hope it will allow for a great buying opportunity. I like to think I am frugal and just don't want to spend more if I don't have to. If I had unlimited resources then I would spend more I am sure, but for something I will not fly everyday I don't mind starting with something I saved money on. I saved a lot buying my Cobra with the same mindset, heck even after the upgrades I have done I could still sell it for a profit.